To build the excitement for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, we look back at the trophy's tour to South Africa and its visit to one of Mzansi's top safari destinations.
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The story
As Mamelodi Sundowns gear up for the long-awaited FIFA Club World Cup tournament in the United States, the club has been sharing footage of when the trophy made its way to South Africa in February.
From Chloorkop to a local high school, public squares and an electric Loftus Versfeld, the Club World Cup trophy was closely seen by Masandawana's supporters during its tour.
"The tour was not just about celebrating the trophy; it was about inspiring the next generation, reaffirming Mamelodi Sundowns' status on the world stage," noted the club's magazine in this month's issue, reflecting on what was a successful trophy tour earlier this year.
The trophy was first taken to Chloorkop before a lively visit to the Mamelodi High School, where Sundowns stars Themba Zwane and Siyabonga Mabena, along with Downs legends Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda and Daniel Mudau, were accompanied by FIFA World Cup-winning defender Alessandro Nesta for a special visit.
The trophy tour then headed to Sammy Marks Square in the heart of Pretoria's CBD, before an iconic appearance at Loftus on the day when Downs stamped their authority in the Betway Premiership with a mammoth, 4-1 win over Orlando Pirates.
Lastly, but certainly not least, the trophy made its way to the Ukuthula Conservation Centre, which forms part of the Ukuthula Lodge & Game Reserve, situated within an hour's drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
As stated by TripAdvisor, the reserve spans 2.6 million square meters of pristine bushveld, teeming with diverse wildlife such as predators, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and more. Ukuthula also hosts over 130 species of birds.
"The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy took a moment to embrace South Africa's breathtaking wildlife. Among lions, cheetahs, and other majestic creatures, the trophy stood as a symbol of hope, excellence and pride, qualities that define Mamelodi Sundowns," read Sundowns' magazine on the trophy's visit to Ukuthula, accompanied by defender Lucas Suarez.
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